Definition & Meaning of "scotch and soda"

What is "scotch and soda"?

Scotch and soda is a classic coin magic trick that uses two coins, typically a half-dollar and a smaller coin like a Mexican centavo or English penny. The magician shows both coins to the audience and places them together in the spectator's hand. After a brief moment or a magical gesture, the magician asks the spectator to open their hand, and one of the coins has mysteriously transformed into a completely different coin or vanished entirely. This trick is popular for its simplicity and the strong impact it has on the audience, relying on a specially crafted set of coins that do most of the work while appearing completely ordinary.